Deep dive into Japanese brands! A tour of famous leather shoe stores with GENSEI & Nin [Tohritsu Shoes Edition]

A recommended itinerary to enjoy Japanese leather shoes

To fully enjoy the world of Japanese leather shoes, this series will visit the directly managed stores of six companies: REGAL, HARUTA, Otsuka Shoes, Toritsu Shoes, Madras, and EIZO! This time, in the fifth installment, we will focus on the store of Toritsu Shoes, which is responsible for the leather shoe brand Schonheit.

Newly opened this year is the showroom of the Toritsu Shoe Co., Ltd. headquarters factory direct sales store, which sells "Shonheit."

This time we visited Toritsu Shoes' headquarters and factory combined store located in Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture. In March of this year, a space that was once part of the headquarters was renovated into a new showroom and opened. Inside this new store, we will unravel the unique manufacturing process that Toritsu Shoes has.

The store has long accepted shoe orders using its unique custom-made system, "Shawn Height Combination Order." By making a reservation by phone in advance, you can also take a tour of the factory in addition to placing your order. Additionally, like Toritsu Shoes, they also accept repairs for leather shoes made using the Goodyear welt method, regardless of manufacturer.

A showroom that meets a wide range of needs, from ready-made shoes to custom-made shoes

The showroom allows visitors to experience craftsmanship through displays of tools used in the leather shoe manufacturing process, as well as leather before it is fitted into a shoe last. The showroom also features hand tools that are no longer used due to advances in machinery, allowing visitors to get a glimpse of the artisan's skills.

Their unique custom-made system uses a pattern order system that allows you to create your own original shoes based on a base model. You can choose your favorite leather and color from over 30 types, and add various options such as the sole and heel material, change the stitching, and even have your name engraved. Prices are reasonable, starting from 33,000 yen, and your shoes will arrive in about 50 days after ordering.

In addition to custom-made shoe samples, the store also offers raw leather, the starting point for shoemaking. By touching and handling the leather, customers can experience the craftsmanship of leather shoes, created by skilled artisans.

◆The shoes chosen by the two are here

Gensei's choice: "Wingtip Plain Toe (SH318-B5SS)" (19,800 yen)

Toritsu Shoes offers a wide range of leather shoes, not only made to order but also ready-made. From the items on display in the showroom, GENSEI chose the "Wingtip Plain Toe (SH318-B5SS)." It's a masterpiece with a refined sheen.

Ning's choice: "Suede Loafers (SH211-2)" (19,800 yen)

Ning chose a pair of suede penny loafers. They have a clean silhouette and a deep brown color that matches autumn and winter styles.

■Tohritsu Shoe Head Office Factory Direct Sales Store

Address: 341-13 Toyoshiki, Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture

Business hours: 10:00-18:00

Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays

Inquiries: 04-7146-8680 *Telephone reservations required for Shorn Height combination orders

Touritsu Shoes Official Website ( https://www.touritsu-seika.co.jp/ )

■What is the Japan Shoe Manufacturers Association?

This non-profit organization aims to provide and popularize high-quality leather shoes that are suited to the Japanese climate and Japanese feet. They are involved in a wide range of activities, including providing information on the specifications and quality of leather shoes, formulating the Japanese Leather Shoe Standards (JIS), and addressing environmental issues that arise during the leather shoe manufacturing process. Their goal going forward is to further develop Japanese leather shoes amid increasingly fierce international competition.

Participating companies: Iwate Shoes, Eizo, Otsuka Shoes, Kyowa Kogyo, Chiyoda Shoes, Toritsu Shoes, Haruta, Madras, Miyagi Haruta Shoes, Regal Corporation (in alphabetical order)

Article reprinted from:
FASHIONSNAP Part 1
https://www.fashionsnap.com/article/jsma-vol-1/

FASHIONSNAP Part 2
https://www.fashionsnap.com/article/jsma-vol-2/